I want to introduce you to the rules of the Draftosaurus game. It’s a fun and exciting game that you’ll love playing with your friends and family. Let’s dive in and learn how to play!
Contents
Goal of the Game
The goal of the game is to create the best dinosaur park you can. You’ll do this by drafting dinosaur cards and placing them strategically in your park. At the end of the game, the player with the most points is the winner.
Setting Up the Game
To set up the game, each player will receive a player board, which represents their dinosaur park. Shuffle the deck of dinosaur cards and place it face-down in the center of the table. Draw a number of cards from the deck equal to the number of players plus one, and place them face-up next to the deck. These cards are called the “Dino-Selection”.
Gameplay
The game is played over several rounds, and each round has three phases: the Draft, the Placement, and the Scoring.
During the Draft phase, players take turns choosing one dinosaur card from the Dino-Selection and adding it to their park. The cards they choose will determine what types of dinosaurs they can have in their park and how many points they can earn.
In the Placement phase, players take turns placing the dinosaurs they drafted onto their player board. Each player board has different areas to place the dinosaurs, and each area has its own rules. Some areas may require specific types of dinosaurs, while others may grant bonus points.
During the Scoring phase, players calculate the points they earned based on their dinosaur placement. Points are awarded for various criteria, such as having a full row or column of dinosaurs, having certain combinations of dinosaurs, or having the most of a specific type of dinosaur.
End of the Game
The game is played over a number of rounds determined by the number of players. At the end of the final round, players tally up their points. The player with the highest score is the winner and has created the most fantastic dinosaur park!
Now that you know the rules, it’s time to start playing. Gather your friends and get ready for a wild adventure in the world of dinosaurs with Draftosaurus!

Guess what? Scientists have done it! They’ve successfully cloned dinosaurs! Can you believe it? Now, zoos all over the world are bustling with excitement as they introduce these magnificent creatures to the public.
I have a fun challenge for you. You get to be part of this incredible dinosaur trend and help organize the dinosaur pens at the zoo. How cool is that?
The Components You Need
I have a list of the components you’ll need for this game. Check it out:
- 5 Zoo boards
- 60 dinosaurs
- 1 placement die
- 1 draw bag
- Rulebook
How to Set Up the Game
Now, let me walk you through the setup process. It’s pretty simple, actually.
First things first, each of us will take a Zoo board and place it in front of ourselves. Make sure we all use the same side of the board. For now, let’s start with the Summer side.
Next, we need to put the dinosaurs in the draw bag based on the number of players.
- If there are 5 players: We’ll use all the dinosaurs in the box. That means all 60 of them go into the bag.
- If there are 4 players: We’ll leave 2 dinosaurs of each species in the box. So, 12 dinosaurs stay in the box, and we put 48 in the bag.
- If there are 3 players: We’ll leave 4 dinosaurs of each species in the box. That means 24 dinosaurs stay in the box, and 36 go in the bag.
- If there are 2 players: We’ll leave 2 dinosaurs of each species in the box. That means 12 dinosaurs stay in the box, and 48 go in the bag.
Once all the dinosaurs have been taken out of the box, it’s time to put them back. I, as the youngest player, get the special job of placing the placement die in front of me. It’s a simple task, but an important one.

Playing the Game
When it comes to playing the game, there are two rounds with six turns each that you need to keep in mind.
At the beginning of the game, we each get six dinosaurs from the bag and keep them hidden. This is what happens in Round 1:
– One player rolls the placement die.
– Then, we all choose a dinosaur from our hands at the same time.
– Once we’ve made our choices, we reveal the dinosaurs and place them in our Zoos.
– The player who rolled the die gets to decide the placement condition for everyone else.
– If we can’t or don’t want to place a dinosaur in a Pen, we can put it in the River instead. The River is different from the Pen.
After each player receives their dinosaurs, we pass our dinosaurs to the player sitting to our left, keeping them secret.A new turn starts: We roll the placement die, place a dinosaur in our Zoo, and pass the remaining dinosaurs to the player on our left.
We repeat these turns until we all have six dinosaurs in our Zoos.
Round 2
Once everyone has six dinosaurs in their Zoo, the second round begins. It’s just like the first round.
By the end of the second round, each player will have twelve dinosaurs in their Zoo.
Dinosaur Pens
Hey there! I’ve got an interesting fact for you. Did you know that every Zoo has six Pens? Pretty cool, right?
Now, here’s the thing: each Pen comes with its own set of rules. It’s like a little world of its own! And to add even more excitement, different Pens offer different ways to score points.
The Forest of Sameness:

Imagine this: a magical pen that has the power to hold dinosaurs in it. But hold up! There’s a twist – the pen can only hold dinosaurs of the same species, and you have to fill it from left to right without any gaps. Pretty challenging, huh?
But here’s the sweet part: at the end of the game, this special pen rewards you with victory points based on how many dinosaurs you managed to cram into it. So, the more dinosaurs you fit in, the more points you get!
The Magical Meadow

Hey there! So, this is a super cool Pen that I’m about to tell you all about. It’s not just any ordinary Pen – no, it’s a magical Pen that can hold different species of dinosaurs. How awesome is that?
Now, here’s the thing: you’ve got to fill this Pen from left to right with the dinosaurs. No gaps allowed! It’s like a puzzle, you know?
But wait, there’s more! At the end of the game, this Pen actually gives you victory points based on the number of dinosaurs you have in it. That’s how you win!
So, let me tell you a little story about this special Pen. It’s called “The Prairie of Love”. It’s like this magical place where dinosaurs roam around freely, and they’re all looking for a home – that’s where the Pen comes in.
When you fill the Pen with these incredible creatures, it creates this amazing feeling of love and joy. And you get rewarded for it with victory points. It’s like a win-win!
So, are you ready to embark on this dinosaur-holding adventure with the magical Pen? I promise you won’t be disappointed!
The Prairie of Love

Hey there! Let me tell you about this awesome Pen that can house various dinosaur species.
When the game wraps up, this Pen will score you 5 victory points for each pair of dinosaurs of the same species within it. (A pair consists of two dinosaurs of the same species. You can have more than one pair of the same species).
The Woody Trio

I’m excited to tell you about this amazing Pen! It’s really cool because it can hold up to three dinosaurs. Yep, you heard that right – three dinos, any kind you like! Whether they’re the same species or different ones, this Pen can handle it.
Here’s the best part: at the end of the game, if you have exactly three dinosaurs in the Pen, no matter what species they are, you get 7 victory points! Isn’t that awesome?
But, and here’s the catch, if you have any number of dinosaurs other than three in the Pen, you don’t get any points at all. It’s all or nothing!
So, make sure you choose your dinosaurs wisely and try to fill up the Pen with three of them. That way, you’ll be the King of the Jungle and earn those sweet, sweet victory points. Good luck!

Hey there! Let me tell you about this amazing Pen for your Zoo. You’ll love it! This Pen can only hold one dinosaur, but trust me, it’s worth it. At the end of the game, if your Zoo has at least as many dinosaurs of the species in this Pen as your opponents’ Zoos, you’ll earn a whopping 7 victory points.
But here’s the catch. If any of your opponents’ Zoos have more dinosaurs of this species than yours, this Pen won’t bring in any points. It’s a bit of a gamble, but the potential reward is totally worth it, don’t you think?
Solitary Island

I have a Pen, and guess what? It can only hold one dinosaur. Can you believe that?
When the game ends, this Pen becomes quite important. If the dinosaur in this Pen is the only one of its species in your Zoo, it brings in a whopping 7 victory points. But if there are other dinosaurs of the same species in your Zoo, then this Pen is worthless and brings in 0 points. Talk about high stakes!
Let’s Talk About the Summer Board Layout

The Wonderful River
The River is a magical place, brimming with excitement and surprises. Unlike an ordinary pen, it has its own unique rules and brings forth a sense of adventure. When the game comes to an end, each dinosaur residing in the River becomes a valuable asset, adding 1 victory point to your score.

T-rex
Hey there! Let me tell you about the T-Rex, who is a pretty unique dinosaur. When the game is over, any of your Pens that have at least one T-Rex will earn you an additional victory point. But here’s the deal: if you have more than one T-Rex in a Pen, you only get 1 point for that Pen.
The Placement Die
Every turn, one of us rolls the placement die. When that happens, all the rest of us have to follow the rule that shows up on the die. Let me show you the different sides:
Woodlands: I need to put the dinosaurs in a special area called the Woodlands in my Zoo.
Grasslands: To make sure the dinosaurs feel at home, we need to put them in a special pen in the grasslands area of the Zoo.

Bathrooms: I must put the dinosaurs on the side of the restroom in my Zoo (to the right of the River).
When setting up my Zoo, it’s important to consider the placement of the dinosaurs. One key factor to keep in mind is the location of the restrooms. The dinosaurs need to be placed on the side of the restrooms, specifically on the right side of the River.
Why is this placement important? Well, it’s all about convenience and accessibility. By placing the dinosaurs near the restrooms, visitors can easily take a break and use the facilities without having to walk too far. This allows for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience for everyone at the Zoo.
Additionally, having the dinosaurs on the restroom side helps with managing the flow of traffic. Visitors can easily navigate through the Zoo, knowing that the restrooms are conveniently located nearby. This can help prevent congestion and ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit for all.
So, when it comes to setting up my Zoo, I need to consider the placement of the dinosaurs. By placing them on the side of the restrooms, I can ensure convenience, accessibility, and a smooth flow of traffic. This will ultimately enhance the overall experience for visitors and create a more enjoyable environment for everyone.

Food Court: So, here’s the deal. You gotta put those dinosaurs on the food court side of your Zoo. Yep, that’s right, just to the left of the River.
All About Dinosaurs: I want to tell you some exciting things about dinosaurs. They were amazing creatures that lived a long time ago. Don’t you find it fascinating to learn about these ancient creatures? Let’s dive right in!
Welcome to Watch OutforT-Rex: The goal is to safely house the dinosaurs in a Pen without any T-Rexes.
Keep an eye out: You can still play a T-Rex this turn, just not in a Pen that already has one.
When the Game Ends
After the second round, the game concludes. Each player adds up their points, and the player with the highest score is the winner!
If there’s a tie, the player with the fewest T-Rexes wins. If the tie persists, the players share the victory.
Welcome to the Alternative Zoo!
Hey there! I wanted to tell you about this awesome place called the Alternative Zoo. It’s not your ordinary zoo with real animals and cages. This zoo is special because it’s all in a board game format. So cool, right?
Now, let me introduce you to an exciting feature of this game. The Alternative Zoo has two sides: Summer and Winter. Both sides offer different challenges and experiences.
Let’s start with the Summer side. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the warmth of the season. You’ll find lots of sunny attractions and activities here. It’s like your very own summer vacation in a zoo! From beautiful tropical birds to playful dolphins, the Summer side has it all.
But wait, there’s more! Once you’ve mastered the Summer side, you can take on the Winter side. This side of the game adds a touch of technicality to the experience. Get ready to face icy challenges and navigate your way through the snowy landscapes.
So, whether you’re a fan of sunny adventures or enjoy the thrill of winter, the Alternative Zoo is the perfect game for you. It’s like having two games in one. How amazing is that?
Now, get your game face on and let’s explore the Alternative Zoo together. Have a blast!

A Well-arranged Wood
I love spending time in the midst of nature, surrounded by the beauty of the trees, plants, and wildlife. There is something truly magical about being in a well-arranged wood. The canopy of trees provides welcome shade on a hot summer’s day, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze is a soothing sound that brings peace to my soul.
When I step foot into a well-arranged wood, I am immediately greeted by a sense of tranquility and serenity. The organized arrangement of the trees creates a natural pathway for me to follow, inviting me to explore and discover the wonders that lie within. The chirping of birds and the scurrying of small animals remind me that I am not alone in this peaceful sanctuary.
I find solace in the knowledge that these well-arranged woods are not the result of chance or coincidence. They are carefully planned and maintained to ensure the trees grow tall and strong, providing a safe haven for creatures big and small. It is a delicate balance that must be maintained by those who steward the land, ensuring that the wood remains healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
Walking among the towering trees, I am reminded of the importance of nature conservation and the significant role these well-arranged woods play in our ecosystem. They serve as a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, providing them with food, shelter, and a place to reproduce. Without these well-arranged woods, many species would struggle for survival and our planet would be much less diverse and vibrant.
As I continue my journey through the well-arranged wood, I am filled with a sense of wonder and awe. Each tree is a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. The intricate patterns of branches and the interplay of light and shadow create a visually stunning experience that is truly breathtaking. I am reminded of the immense power and creativity of the natural world.
In conclusion, a well-arranged wood is not just a collection of trees. It is a living, breathing ecosystem that provides us with countless benefits and enriches our lives in ways we may not even realize. So the next time you find yourself in the presence of a well-arranged wood, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance. I guarantee you will be filled with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world that surrounds us.

This is a special pen that can only hold two different species of dinosaurs, but there’s a specific order in which they must be placed. From left to right, you need to alternate between species 1 and species 2. It should look like this: species 1, species 2, species 1, species 2, species 1, species 2.
When the game ends, you’ll earn victory points based on the number of dinosaurs in the pen.
Keep in mind that you can’t put two dinosaurs of the same species right next to each other. There should always be a different species in between.
Now let’s talk about the Lovers1 Bridge, which is located on the right and left river banks.

Hey there! I’ve got an interesting story to tell you about this fantastic Pen that sits on both sides of a River. It’s a pretty diverse place because it can house any type of dinosaur, no matter the species. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
Now, here’s where it gets really exciting: at the end of the game, this Pen helps you score big time! If you have a pair of dinosaurs from the same species, with one member in each sub-Pen, you’ll earn a whopping 6 victory points. How awesome is that?
But wait, there’s more! In case you didn’t know, these two sub-Pens are treated as separate Pens. This means that if you happen to have a T-Rex in each sub-Pen, you’ll get an extra point for each one. Pretty sweet, right?
Now, let’s talk about the Pyramid.

Imagine a pen that can hold up to six dinosaurs. That’s right, six! But there’s a catch. You have to follow some rules. The first three dinosaurs you put in the pen have to go on the bottom row. The next two go on the middle row. And the last one goes on the top row.
Now, here’s the tricky part. You can’t have two dinosaurs of the same species next to each other. That means no placing them horizontally or vertically adjacent to each other. It’s a rule you have to be careful about, or you might lose points.
But don’t worry, it’s not all about rules. At the end of the game, the pen gives you victory points. The number of points you get depends on how many dinosaurs you have in the pen and where they’re positioned. So, the more dinosaurs you have and the better their positions, the more points you’ll score.
And that’s just the beginning

In my zoo game, I have a special pen that can only hold one dinosaur. It’s a cool feature that adds some excitement to the game. When the game is over, this pen actually helps me earn points. For each dinosaur in the zoo of the player on my right that is the same species as the one in my pen, I get 2 victory points. It’s a clever way to make the game more challenging and strategic. There’s also a quarantine zone in the game. It’s a special area where I can temporarily keep dinosaurs. It’s a helpful option when I need to make some space in my zoo or if I want to isolate certain dinosaurs for a little while. It’s like having my own dinosaur hospital.

Imagine this Pen, just a small enclosure that can only accommodate one dinosaur at a time.
Once the game comes to an end, there’s a catch! You have to relocate this dinosaur to another Pen in your Zoo or even to the River, following the rules of placement, before you tally up your points.
Now, Let’s Play Together!

In this game we’re playing, there are a total of four rounds instead of the usual two. Inside the box, we have two dinosaurs of each species waiting to be chosen.
Now, at the beginning of each round, we draw six dinosaurs randomly from our bag. However, we can only place three of them during that particular round.
Here’s how the rounds go:
- You and I both get to choose the dinosaur we want to place in our Zoo.
- We then get to choose a second dinosaur, but this time, we’ll have to put it back in the box.
- After that, we swap our hands of dinosaurs with each other.
And when the game ends:
After the fourth and final round, you and I will each have a total of twelve dinosaurs in our Zoo. We’ll count the points just like we normally would.